JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
8 May 2008
Two more men charged over $40 million ecstasy seizure
A 53-year-old Hong Kong resident and a 40-year-old Sydney man will face Sydney
Central Local Court today charged with conspiring to import 1.2 million ecstasy tablets
into Australia in 2006.
In 2006, a joint Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Customs operation resulted in the
arrest of five people following the discovery of approximately 350 kilograms of
methamphetamine (MDMA) tablets hidden in a shipping container of ink.
The seizure, which had an approximate street value of $40 million, was one of the
largest in Australian history.
The 53-year-old man, an Australian citizen who resides in Hong Kong, was arrested
when he arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Hong Kong yesterday.
The 40-year-old Sydney man was also arrested yesterday following the execution of
search warrants in Campsie. A search warrant was also executed in Strathfield,
Sydney.
During the search, the AFP seized cash and chemicals which are now the subject of
forensic testing.
The container, which arrived from Canada via Hong Kong on 4 June 2006 was
selected by Customs officers for examination. Customs officers discovered the tablets
hidden in vacuum-sealed bags inside 67 containers of ink.
Both men were arrested and charged yesterday by the AFP with conspiracy to import a
border controlled drug and aid and abet the possession of a border controlled drug
contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
Media inquiries
Customs Media (02) 6275 6793
AFP Media (Canberra) (02) 6275 7100
NEWS 
